At Homewatch CareGivers of Silver Spring, we understand the challenges of food safety. Our skilled caregivers are entrusted to practice safe handling, preparing, assisting in eating and storing food. We ensure the safest food for our clients and educate them about how to prevent food poisoning.
Older Adults and Food Safety
For people who are living with chronic conditions or a change in abilities due to advanced age, a professionally-trained in-home care can be there to assist with making the kitchen and meals safe. A kitchen can be a precarious place with wet surfaces, hot surfaces, sharp objects, and perishable food that can lead to unsafe bacteria or even attract unwanted pests.
The month of September is National Food Safety Education Month that gives importance to the safe use of food. Food safety month ensures the welfare of the people by building awareness about it. The purpose of the national food safety and education month 2021 is to elicit meaningful conversations to raise awareness and bring out change for the betterment of the people.
How Home Care Can Help
It’s about time we act to ensure food safety as 1 in 6 people in America suffer from foodborne illness every year. Therefore, spreading awareness to prevent foodborne illness and following safety principles are essential in the National Food Safety Education Month. The sense of smell can decrease with age, and with that change the ability to determine if food is still safe to eat. Having a caregiver in the home means that someone is there to check on the current status of food, help with light housekeeping such as cleaning out the refrigerator and taking out the garbage, or to take a regular trip to the grocery store together to replenish food supplies.
Food poisoning is not a serious issue but it should be taken care of properly. The food poisoning symptoms begin within one to two days. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite are some of its symptoms. Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food either by bacteria or a virus. If someone does become ill as a result of bad food, a caregiver can be there to take them to the doctor, call a family member about this change in health status, and provide care support.
People often recover from foodborne illnesses at home. But in some situations, you need to see your primary care physician if the illness becomes serious. The symptoms can last for a few days until you recover. If you have been food poisoned, you can follow these steps to help you recover fully.
- Prevent dehydration by drinking lots of fluids.
- Eat light meals until you feel better.
- ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) are recommended for elderly and vulnerable people.
In-home care can be part of your food safety plan for yourself or a loved one. Contact us today!
